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Clear The Clutter!
by Diane Johnson, ACV Resident
Dealing with clutter is a common struggle. We buy new clothes, new books and new gadgets without getting rid of the old. Holiday gifts fill our shelves and closets, whether we use them or not. Those who lived through the Depression were conditioned to never throw anything away. However, clutter can be a real problem for the elderly, and even a health hazard. If your elderly loved one has a clutter problem, what can you do?
You may be tempted to simply take control and start throwing things away, but that will add undue stress and can cause resentment toward you. Involve them in the process, encouraging them that when the job is finished, they will enjoy a cleaner, more organized home. This may be a relief, because they may be frustrated with their clutter, but lack the ability to safely pull items off overhead shelves or carry heavy boxes.
Where do you begin? First talk with your loved one about the importance of an organized, clutter-free home, without shaming them. Discuss your concern for their safety. A cluttered home is a fire hazard. Mold, mildew and bugs can affect health, including causing respiratory problems. Perhaps the most common safety issue with clutter is that it is a trip hazard, which can lead to broken bones and long-term debilitation. There should always be ample room to easily move through the home, so that in case of an emergency, emergency services can quickly access each room. Another proven benefit is that our mood improves when we live in a clean, organized environment, and it’s also easier to find things.
Talk to your loved one about the benefits of donating items to a second hand shop or charity of their choice, some of which will pick up items at no charge. Selling items in a yard sale, or on ebay can generate extra spending money.
Once your loved one is on board, how do you proceed in a way that will not overwhelm them? First, think small. Do just one thing at a time—one closet, one dresser, under the bed, etc. and do it for only one hour. Be there to help, but don’t pressure them to throw away items that are of true importance to them. Be patient with them, making the process as pleasant as possible. This will help them to feel more at ease and not shy away from the chore in the future.
If the decision process is difficult, ask them to agree to follow these guidelines: If something doesn’t work, doesn’t fit or isn’t used, dispose of it. If clothing has not been worn in a year, give it away. If they don’t know what is inside a box—consider getting rid of it without opening it. If it hasn’t been missed, it isn’t needed. If shelves are crammed with trinkets, suggest that they pick out a certain number of their favorites and sell the rest. With collectable items that will be willed to someone after their death, think about giving them now, so that they can see the enjoyment the gift brings.
If they resist parting with anything at all, suggest that all items not currently in use be boxed up and put into storage. Ask them to agree to getting rid of the items if they have not missed them in 6 months. Determine now where they will go and label them to avoid having to go through them later.
Once your hour of de-cluttering is up, find a meaningful way to celebrate the progress. This will help your loved one continue to feel good about the process and make it more likely that they will want to tackle another closet soon. Finally, set a date for the next de-cluttering session.
Maybe your loved one isn’t the only one that needs some de-cluttering. We all have projects on our to do list that we have put off. The benefits of clearing the clutter are a cleaner, safer, more organized home, with room for the things that we really need and enjoy. Do it now. Get the item off the list and enjoy life!